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I've participated in Shihan's seminar quite recently and I would like to say that it has taught me a number of things. Perhaps not even a fifth of what Shihan wanted to share but at least some of those things I could comprehend with my limited ability and experience at that point in time.

To say that the no touch throws are technique would be a waste of breath. It really shouldn't be described as a throw really I would think. To me its more of a training methodology.

Gathering is one of the basic concepts imparted. Not pull or push, but bringing uke into yourself. Being one with him in mind, body and spirit. Uniting for one moment and then letting him go his way.

Shihan's aikido is soft but it is powerful. If of course you go to his class to oppose him, you will lose the opportunity to learn another aspect of aikido. The kokoro musubi aspect that you don't get anywhere else. Its too bad really, since he won't bother to train with you. Not because he can't 'throw' you. With more physical aiki and musubi I don't think you will be able to resist his throws.

Seriously though, if you like to have more physical aspects in your training go ahead and practice that way. Doesn't mean that you're wrong. And don't take at face value things you don't really understand from a cursory observation. Its really better to at least try to understand the meaning behind Shihan's method of training.

Regards.

Very astute in you explaination and understanding Ahmad. You have a mind for Higher Level Aikido. For quite some time before his death O' Sensei often expressed no touch Aiki and Kokyu Nage. It is nothing new.